6 accused of stealing $300K+ through card skimming scheme
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Six people are facing charges for their alleged roles in a card-skimming scheme that targeted shoppers and ATM users in at least six states, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.
The group is accused of installing devices that steal victims' card information on ATMs and retail store checkout terminals. From there, they would use that data to create counterfeit cards, then use those to make purchases and withdraw money from bank accounts.
In total, the suspects withdrew more than $300,000 from victims' accounts, according to the release. The number of fraudulent purchases made has not yet been determined.
The investigation began in Oct. 2023 when a skimming device was found on a drive-through ATM at Bank Newport in Bristol.
Surveillance footage showed two men placing and removing skimming devices at the bank, and at least one of the men was seen doing the same at retail stores in Sept. and Dec. 2023.
Investigators discovered skimming devices on two bank ATMs in Westerly and at 22 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Video also captured one or more members of the group tampering with checkout terminals at BJ's Wholesale Clubs and Walmart stores in Coventry, Johnston, and Warwick in Rhode Island and Avon, Raynham, Seekonk, and Walpole in Massachusetts between September and December 2023.
RELATED: How to avoid card skimmers while out shopping
Cunha's office said the six suspects, hailing from California, are all foreign nationals who are in the country illegally and have prior run-ins with the law.
Isabela Ignat Codreanu, 23, and Mila Ciuciu, 20, are both Romanian citizens and charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
Top row, L-R: Nicolas Longin Codreanu, Robby Vicson Codreanu, Ionut Zamfir
Bottom row, L-R: Isabela Ignat Codreanu, Mila Ciuciu, Armando Ion Codreanu
Robby Vicson Codreanu, 20, a citizen of Great Britain, faces the same charge.
All three are due to appear in court Tuesday, according to Cunha's office.
Armando Ion Codreanu, 23, a citizen of Ireland, is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Nicolas Longin Codreanu, 21, a citizen of both Ireland and Romania, faces the same three charges. Cunha's office said he's currently in the custody of U.S. Marshals and will face a judge on Thursday.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 37-year-old Ionut Zamfir, a Romanian citizen, on those three charges.
MORE: Card skimmers found at stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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